EEEC Sweep of Construction Sites Results in Fines of $83,600

Aug 07, 2007

Investigators with the Economic and Employment Enforcement Coalition, a multi-agency task force designed to root out California's underground economy, recently targeted Orange County businesses in the construction industry it said were operating illegally. The group conducted 32 inspections in late July and issued 14 citations for penalty amounts totaling $83,600.

EEEC said it targeted businesses that avoid labor, tax, and licensing laws, as well as safety and health regulations, and carry no worker's compensation insurance for their employees. "In California, workers have workplace protections and it is our job to make sure labor laws are not violated," said EEEC Executive Director David Dorame. "At the same time, we owe it to responsible employers to vigorously enforce against those who do not comply with California labor laws, thereby, gaining an unfair economic advantage by not following the rules."

Launched in July 2005, EEEC is a collaboration of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency's Department of Industrial Relations (Division of Occupational Safety and Health; Division of Labor Standards Enforcement) and the Employment Development Department. The U.S. Department of Labor participates in the EEEC, as well as the Contractors State License Board when targeting the construction industry. EEEC conducts enforcement sweeps in various industries, including garment, agriculture, construction, horse race track, car wash, janitorial, and restaurant, which have been identified as having a high degree of workplace violations and lack of regulatory compliance. EEEC also holds workshops throughout the state to educate employers and workers on labor and wage issues. For more information, visit our www.dir.ca.gov.